Evaluation of an animal-activated scarecrow and a monofilament fence for reducing deer use of soybean fields

摘要: We measured the efficacy of an animal-activated scarecrow (AAS) and a 5-strand monofilament fence (MF) at reducing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use 0.4-ha soybean plots in Missouri, USA. Our study design consisted 9 plots; 3 served as controls, were surrounded by MF, AAS. Data collected for each protected plot included height weight taken from within immediately adjacent to 10 unprotected, equally spaced 1-m 2 exclosures. A measure was with video cameras. mixed-effects analysis variance (ANOVA) indicated that heights unprotected plants significantly different MF (F =93.6, P=0.01 ) controls =47.6, P= 0.02) but not AAS =2.16, P=0.272). Soybean heavier than those or control =10.2, P=0.01). Plant differences areas less (t 6 =2.55, P=0.04) =4.46, P=0.004). between marginally significant =1.192, P=0.10). Deer spent time 0.01). Scarecrow activations increased over all (all 95% confidence intervals >0), suggesting habituating devices. suggest may be useful short-term deterrence small areas.